The 12 Best Couches of 2023 for Style and Comfort

With that in mind, we tested and evaluated products on their construction, upholstery options, aesthetic, special features, and overall value. We know that buying a couch has a lot to do with personal style, so we’ve rounded up options that will fit into spaces big or small, classic or modern, formal or informal.

Couches are often used as the focal point of indoor living spaces, as they give you somewhere to sit, lounge, and socialize. They also come in a wide range of options, which means “buying a sofa is almost like buying a mattress,” explains Jessie Neuman of Numi Interior Design . When looking for a new couch, you want to consider how many people will be using it on a regular basis, what kind of fabric will work best with your household, and the overall style of your space.

When you’re building your ideal deep-seated couch, just keep in mind that this Wayfair model does offer a number of different fabric upholstery options. While many options are highly durable and even built to be stain- and water-resistant, not all fabrics are this tough. Some may be more delicate and prone to wear, so think about your lifestyle when choosing a fabric (and read the fine print on your top picks!)

If you want a couch that welcomes you with plush, deep seats, Wayfair’s Emilio Upholstered Sofa will fit the bill. Featuring a seat depth of 26 inches, plus removable and reversible cushions, this spacious sofa offers enough room to really sit back and relax–and lay down! The foam-filled cushions are constructed with sinuous springs for a mix of support and plushness, and they’re less prone to sagging over time. An extra four toss pillows are included for extra lounge comfort (and some style, too.) We also like the fact that the seat and back cushion covers are all removable and easy to clean.

This reclining sofa is available in three colors, including a soft chenille. It has classic rolled arms and edge piping for a defined appearance, and it even comes with two throw pillows for styling. Pull-cups on either end allow you to engage the recliner, and the hardwood frame can support up to 250 pounds in each seat. Just be sure you really love this sofa before you buy it, as you can’t return it.

You can kick up your feet—literally—in the cozy Raymour & Flannigan Stanton Wallaway Reclining Sofa. It seats up to three people, and the two end seats have two-position manual recliners that allow you to lean back and relax. Plus, unlike many recliners that bump into objects behind them, this sofa has a wall-hugging design that only needs 4 inches of clearance to lean back.

The cushions on the Park Sectional Sofa are made from high-resiliency foam wrapped in feathers, offering both comfort and support, and it has a sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame. The sofa ships quickly in easy-to-move boxes, making it easy to carry up stairs or through doorways, but you will need to assemble all the pieces yourself. The brand also backs its products with a lifetime warranty. While you can return the sofa within 30 days if you’re not satisfied, there is a 10 percent return fee.

This sleek and sophisticated Albany Park Sectional Sofa could make an elegant addition to any living space. It has a two-piece chaise design, and you’re able to choose between a left- or right-hand configuration. This sectional comes with eight different upholstery options in a wide range of colors, including a distressed vegan leather, several bold velvets, and even a textured boucle for a trendy appearance. You also get to choose between gold or black metal legs.

Dimensions: Various, depending on customization | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 2 people | Material: Various | Seat Fill: Down blend or down alternative

However, it’s important to note that because the Winslow Loveseat can be customized from its seat comfort to its seat height to its upholstery, there’s a somewhat limited return window if you aren’t happy with the final result. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but worth keeping in mind as you place your order.

A loveseat can be the perfect fit in a small living room, studio apartment, or even office in need of extra seating. The Winslow Loveseat from Interior Define is a great pick for any small space, as this two-person couch is compact yet elegant, subtle and soft. It features gentle curves and soft corners so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, with slimmed-down arms and clean lines. For comfort, there’s a nicely medium-firm bench cushion, and you can opt for either a 24-inch or 29-inch seat depth, depending on your preferences and available space. Every one of these loveseats is made to order, so you can customize your couch in multiple ways for the perfect fit.

“One person can easily set up and close this sofa bed. The cushions have a tight fit, so they don’t slide around while you’re using the sofa, yet they’re quick to remove. There’s a single handle in the middle of the bed for pulling the mattress out.”— Stacey L. Nash , Product Tester

Because it houses a mattress, this sofa is heavier than many similarly sized options, and you’ll likely need two people to move it. Our tester liked that the back is covered with leather, allowing it to be styled in the middle of the room if needed, and it has a seated weight capacity of 750 pounds, which should be more than enough to comfortably seat two adults. Certain leather finishes may take a month or two to ship to your home, but overall, it’s a well-priced, versatile sofa that could make a useful addition to your living space.

For a comfortable sofa that doubles as a sleeping spot for out-of-town guests, you can’t go wrong with the Lark Manor Rasberry Sofa Bed. It has a traditional silhouette with rolled arms and three seat cushions, and it’s finished in genuine leather that’s available in more than a dozen colors. Plus, when you need an extra bed, the sofa pulls out into a queen-size innerspring mattress, which our tester described as comfortable and supportive.

Plus, this modular couch is easy to put together. It arrives in pieces that are easy to lift, attach, and move around as needed for any space. You can add extras over time or swap the layout for a refresh. As a result, assembly is required–but we love that it’s totally customizable.

Modular couches give you plenty of room to relax and lounge, and they’re super handy if you ever need to change up the configuration, add extra seats, or simply rearrange your seating for a new space. Albany Park’s Kova L-Shape Sofa + Ottoman duo is easy to customize, versatile in its options, and wonderfully comfortable. With a kiln-dried hardwood frame that’s built to last plus removable and reversible back and seat cushions, you’ll get just the right combination of support and plush comfort from this couch. It gives you space to sit, put your feet up, and even lay down comfortably thanks to the feather-fiber cushion blend, webbing and spring suspension, and foam-topped base.

Just keep in mind that the light color of this couch’s upholstery can attract dirt and stains–and they can be pretty visible if it’s seeing a lot of wear. The upholstery also isn’t the most durable material, and it can show spots of wear under heavy use. This couch’s adjustable nature makes it quite handy and comfortable, but keep in mind that it’s a better choice for homes with less traffic or rugged use.

If you’re searching for a couch that’ll adapt to your needs, living room setup, and comfort, Ikea’s SLATORP Sofa can step up! This couch is surprisingly adjustable and adaptable, giving you options when it comes to everyday comfort. Built with a chaise lounge, you can choose which side that chaise is positioned on and switch it up whenever you want something different. The high back on this couch is extra-comfortable for those seeking extra neck support, and as an added perk, the back cushions can be adjusted and moved to change the seat depth and your level of back support. And the foam inside each cushion offers a good amount of firmness for those who prefer some bounce over an extra-plush couch.

In addition to its chic aesthetic, the Neva Sofa is exceptionally well-made. It has a kiln-dried hardwood and plywood frame with both webbing and sinuous spring suspension, and you can choose from feather down or poly fill cushions, both of which have high-density foam in the middle for support. The sofa qualifies for free home delivery and comes backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

If you love the casual look of slipcovered couches, the Neva Sofa is luxurious yet comfortable. It comes in 72- or 84-inch lengths and the design features narrow armrests and a single bench cushion. The loose slipcover comes in a variety of natural fabrics, including cotton canvas, linen, and velvet, and it has oversized French seams along the edges for added flair. Several upholstery options are ready to ship and will arrive in just a few weeks, but if you want a made-to-order piece, the production time could be between 12 to 14 weeks.

This high-end sofa has deep seats that are ideal for curling up in, and its down-blend cushions offer cloud-like comfort at the end of a long day. It has a kiln-dried hardwood frame for extreme durability, and the adjustable levelers on the legs prevent it from wobbling on uneven floors. The high-quality leather used on these sofas will develop a burnished patina over time, but keep in mind that certain leather finishes are made-to-order and take longer for delivery—sometimes 12 weeks or more.

Leather furniture is prized for its high-end appearance and easy-to-clean fabric, and the Pottery Barn Turner Leather Sofa is a well-made piece that could be in your family for years to come. This leather sofa has a modern yet timeless design with square arms and block legs, and there are four sizes to choose from, ranging from 64.5 to 103.5 inches wide. Plus, there are several dozen top-grain leather colors, allowing you to find the perfect match for your decor.

However, you don’t have a lot of customization choices when it comes to this budget-friendly couch. It’s only available in one shade of tweed, and only one type of fabric. Some assembly is required, but customers report that it’s not too lengthy of a process (or too challenging!)–you may not even find that you need tools to get this sofa together.

With enough room for three people, retro mid-century modern styling and tweed upholstery, and solid, sturdy construction, Mercury Row’s Isley Upholstered Sofa is a great all-around pick. But best of all, this couch comes with an affordable price tag that packs plenty of value. Its versatile styling looks great in almost any living room, with button-tufted back cushions, crisp square arms, and wood cone legs. The cushions offer a good balance of comfort and support thanks to their medium-firm density and sinuous spring construction. A solid and manufactured wood frame offers long-term sturdiness and support, and the deeper seat is popular among taller customers.

In addition to its comfort and style, this velvet couch is also built with a durable solid wood frame. However, over time, its cushions may require fluffing as wear happens. Additionally, while you can remove the cushion covers for cleaning, they can’t be tossed in the wash; they need to be dry cleaned. Overall, though, these small details don’t detract from the couch’s many perks.

You’ll make your living room feel elegant and luxurious with the Article Sven Sofa. Covered in a layer of cotton-blend velvet in the color of your choice, this sofa makes a statement with its clean lines, tufted bench seat and back cushions, and round bolster pillows. Available in a number of different color choices, it stands out whether you opt for a cool blue or standout gold. And it’s comfy to relax on, too, thanks to the foam-padded and fiber- and feather-filled cushions. You can even remove the covers as needed for easy cleaning. Plus, the fabric has undergone the Martindale test to survive 50,000 rubs.

“As a military family member, I am always considering how versatile a piece of furniture will be in another home. I never know if we will have a large family room or just a small space, so I tend to avoid bulky or oddly shaped furniture. I assembled the Nomad using all three seats, but I could easily shorten it to a loveseat configuration if needed.”— Katie Melynn , Product Tester

Burrow makes its furniture in America, and the brand uses sustainably sourced wood and fabric from upcycled materials. It ships to your door in compact, easy-to-lift boxes, though you must assemble the sofa yourself. However, the good news is that it doesn’t require any tools thanks to the brand’s unique latching system. (It also comes apart just as easily in case you need to move it somewhere else.)

This sofa has a sturdy birch frame and triple-layer foam and fiber cushions that deliver a plush yet supportive feel. It has a USB charger integrated into one of the arms—one of our tester’s favorite features—and thanks to its modular design, you can expand or shorten the sofa if needed.

If you’re looking for a well-made sofa that you can easily customize to fit your home, the Burrow Nomad Sofa is the way to go. It comes in five different stain-resistant upholstery colors, and you can personalize a variety of other features, including the leg finish, arm shape, and cushion style. You can also add on a moveable chaise, matching ottoman, or lumbar pillows to complete the setup.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a couch that’s stylish, comfortable, and versatile, go with the Burrow Block Nomad Sofa. It has a unique modular design and allows you to customize its fabric, legs, armrest shape, and more–and this particular piece can grow with you over time, making your initial investment one that really pays off. For those on a budget, the Winston Porter Bennith Round Arm Loveseat is compact and inexpensive, yet it only comes in one color.

The Spruce / Angelica Leich 

What to Look For in a Couch

Size

Before you start shopping, it’s important to measure the space where you want your couch to go. There’s nothing more frustrating than falling in love with a piece of furniture, only to discover it won’t fit in the room.

“Size really matters when it comes to buying a sofa, something too big or too small for your room can really affect the flow of your space,” says Neuman. “It should fill the room nicely and feel inviting, but it should never feel like it’s overwhelming your space. I like to always do the blue tape test. Buy yourself some blue painter’s tape at any hardware store and tape out the dimensions of the sofa on the floor so you get a good idea of how it will feel in the space.”

Also, be sure to measure the doorways and any stairs leading to the room. You’ll want to make sure there’s clearance to fit every piece of the couch into the room.

Type

There are a few common types of couches and sofas that you’ll encounter when shopping. We’ll go into more details about each kind below, but here are the basics you should know. 

First, there are standard sofas, which are one straight line and typically between 72- and 84-inches long. These can generally seat three or four people, and they come in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points. Similarly, you’ll find loveseats, which are essentially small couches, measuring 48- to 72-inches long. Loveseats can comfortably seat two people—hence their name—and are a great solution for smaller spaces. Some people like to have a matching sofa and loveseat for a cohesive look in their living room. 

Today, sectionals are an incredibly popular style of couch. These modular couches are made up of more than one piece, and they’re commonly L- or U-shaped. Sectionals provide more seating, making them a good solution for large families or big rooms. 

There are also sleeper sofas, which transform into a temporary bed, as well as reclining sofas. Your style options may be more limited if you choose one of these specialty couches, but there are still an impressive range of options available at numerous price points. 

Bailey Mariner / The Spruce 

Style

One of the most challenging parts of buying a couch can be finding a style you like. There are hundreds of styles available today, but here’s a rundown of the most popular styles you may want to consider. 

• Mid-century: features clean lines, simple legs, and a low profile
• Chesterfield: features rolled arms, tufted back, and often made of leather
• Lawson: features a boxy shape and detached cushions, and prioritizes comfort
• Bridgewater (also called English roll arm): has low arms that lean outward and is very cushy
• Tuxedo: features a boxy shape and its arms are the same height as its back
• Contemporary: modern, unique, and often unconventional
• Camelback: features a curved back with a “hump” in the middle, as well as high arms
• Scandinavian: popularized by IKEA, has clean lines and is minimalistic
• Settee: a specialty loveseat with a high back and shallow depth
• Chaise: an asymmetrical design with just one arm

These are some of the most common couch and sofa styles, but there are many variations of each. As you shop, you’ll want to take note of which features you like and which styles will look best with your existing decor.

Materials

What your couch is made from will not only dictate its appearance, but its durability, ease of cleaning, and more. The first thing you’ll want to consider is the frame material, as a sturdy frame will ensure your sofa lasts for years. Avoid materials like particleboard and plastic, which can warp or break easily. Pine is a low-cost option for frames, but it won’t last as long as a hardwood such as oak, ash, or beech. To test the frame of a sofa, lift one corner up 6 inches off the ground—the other leg should lift up, as well. If it doesn’t, the frame is likely too flexible and prone to warping or breaking. 

You’ll also want to consider the filling of a sofa’s cushions. Perhaps the most comfortable, long-lasting option is high-resilient foam, but this can be quite expensive. Polyurethane foam is a popular option thanks to its low cost and ease of care, but you’ll want to make sure it’s a higher density; otherwise, it may deteriorate over time. Polyester fiber is another inexpensive option, but it flattens quickly, so only choose this option if you’re looking for a short-term furniture solution. There’s also high-end goose down fill, which is incredibly comfortable, but extremely expensive and requires a lot of maintenance. 

Finally, you’ll need to consider the upholstery material, and be sure to weigh both appearance and functionality. If your couch will be getting a lot of use, you’ll need a tough, durable fabric to ensure it lasts for years to come. Here are some of the most popular fabric options and their benefits:

• Leather: durable and easy to clean, but expensive and can fade over time
• Faux leather: durable and easy to clean, but not as long-lasting as real leather
• Cotton: soft and somewhat durable, but stains and wrinkles easily
• Linen: beautiful and upscale, but hard to care for and soils easily
• Microfiber/polyester: soft, durable, easy to clean, and inexpensive
• Chenille: soft and luxe, but hard to clean
• Velvet: soft and stylish, but also trendy

The Spruce / Angelica Leich  

Comfort

Another key consideration when purchasing a sofa is whether it’s comfortable! It’s hard to gauge whether a couch will be comfortable if you’re buying online, so if you’re able to see the piece in person, you should always do so. 

“Depending on how much you will be using it, its comfort is both important and subjective to each person,” says Neuman. “Some clients love the loose fluffy feeling of down feathers on a sofa, while others prefer for the structure of foam fill. ”

When testing a couch for comfort, you should sit and lie down on it. Evaluate whether it’s supportive enough for your needs and easy to get up. You’ll also want to see if your feet can touch the floor when you’re sitting upright—if not, you may want to look for a sofa that has a shorter depth. 

Special Features

You can find couches with several special features. For example, some models have either manual or automatic recliners built into the sofa. You can also find couches with built-in drink holders, USB ports, hidden consoles, and more. 

Care

As mentioned above, you’ll want to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to put into keeping your sofa looking nice. Certain materials are easy to care for, while others require professional cleaning. This is an especially important consideration if you have pets, kids, or both. 

If you want a low-maintenance sofa, look into leather, faux leather, or polyester options. Most of these models resist spills and stains and can simply be wiped down to clean. There are also treated cotton fabrics that resist stains. If you have pets, you’ll want to ensure whatever fabric you choose won’t get caught on their nails and is easy to vacuum. 

The Spruce / Katie Begley

FAQ

• What is the difference between a couch and a sofa?

  “There really isn’t one—the terms are used interchangeably,” explains Neuman. “Historically, there was a difference in the furniture’s arms, but today they mean the same thing.” If anything, some people use the term couch to refer to more casual pieces designed for comfort, which sofas are more formal and stylish.

• How do you clean a leather couch?

  For regular cleaning, you can vacuum loose dirt and crumbs and wipe the leather down with a damp cloth and mild hand soap (test in a small area first). Then buff it with a dry cloth—no need to rinse the soap, it acts as a conditioner to the leather. Use talcum powder or cornstarch to get out grease stains and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before brushing away with a soft-bristle brush. For more specific spot cleaning techniques, check out our guide to cleaning leather furniture.

• How do you clean an upholstered couch?

  Check the label of your upholstered couch: “W” means you can use a water-based cleaner, “S” designates a solvent-based cleaner is safe, “WS” means you can use either, and an “X” means it should be professionally cleaned. To clean with soap and water, combine a half teaspoon of clear dish soap with warm water and gently spread over the fabric without soaking, and then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. For more specific spot treatments of upholstery, check out our guide to washing upholstery fabric.

• When do couches go on sale?

  Many online and in-store retailers offer major savings around national holidays. Throughout the summer and during the fall and winter, you can find sales on couches at Wayfair, All Modern, Ashley Furniture, and more.

Couch Styles

There are several types of couches and sofas you’ll encounter as you shop, each of which has its own pros and cons.

Standard

As mentioned above, standard sofas are typically between 72- and 84-inches long and can fit three or four people. Beyond these measurements, standard sofas can vary significantly in their depth, style, and cost. You can find a budget sofa for as little as $200 or opt for a custom option that may run $4,000 or more. 

Sectional

As their name implies, sectionals are typically made up of two or more sections, and the most common configurations are L- and U-shaped. Depending on the size sectional you choose, you’ll be able to sit four or more people on the sofa at a time. 

L-shaped sections can be right-arm- or left-arm-facing, and this refers to which direction the “L” is meant to face. If you’re planning to purchase an L-shaped sectional, make sure to figure out which side the arm needs to be on before you shop. U-shaped sectionals offer even more seating, and they’re a good option for large rooms. Many people place an ottoman or coffee table in the middle of the U, so you may want to take note of how much space is in the center of the configuration if you already have a table to use.

When shopping for a sectional, make sure the various pieces can be firmly connected. Fabric strips typically aren’t strong enough to hold pieces of a sectional together and may tear over time, leading to awkward gaps between the sitting areas. 

Sectionals are typically more expensive than standard sofas. Low-end sectionals start around $400 and range up into the thousands for oversized, luxurious models. 

Loveseat

Loveseats are smaller sofas designed to seat just two people. Loveseats are generally between 48- and 72-inches long, making them a popular option for apartments and other small spaces. If you’re looking for a fancier loveseat, you may want to consider a settee, which features a high back and shallow seat—designed more for aesthetics than comfort. 

You can purchase loveseats individually, and they typically start at around $150. However, you’ll also come across living room sets that include a matching sofa and loveseat. 

Sleeper

Sleeper sofas, also called pull-out sofas, look like standard couches, but they contain a hidden mattress that folds out, transforming the sofa into a temporary bed. While not the most comfortable surface to sleep on, pull-out sofas are a great option if you frequently have houseguests and don’t have space for a guest bedroom. 

When purchasing a sleeper sofa, you’ll want to consider how comfortable the unit is both as a sofa and as a bed. It’s also important to choose the proper size for your space, and if possible, test how easy it is to pull out and pack up the mattress. You can find twin-sized sleeper sofas for around $400, while larger options are more expensive. 

Recliner

Similar to reclining chairs, reclining sofas will simultaneously lower you backward and support your feet with a footrest, putting you in a reclined position. Many people find reclining sofas to be more comfortable for watching movies and even sleeping. 

Typically, reclining sofas just have one or two seats that can recline, and they’re either manual, meaning you have to pull a lever, or power reclining, meaning it uses electricity to adjust the seat. Power reclining sofas must be plugged into an outlet to work, so keep this in mind as you lay out your decor. 

Budget reclining sofas start at around $400, but a high-end model can cost well over $1,000. 

Futon

Futons are a type of specialty sofa that, frankly, are hard to explain if you’ve never seen one. They look more like a bench than a sofa, as most models don’t have armrests, and they can be folded out into a sleeping surface. 

Futons are typically less expensive—and therefore less comfortable—than sleeper sofas, and they’re a popular option for college dorms, small apartments, and anyone on a budget. You can find a small futon for as little as $50, and even high-end products won’t cost more than $400 or so.

 The Spruce / Angelica Leich 

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who’s an expert on all things home. She’s taken several courses on interior design and furniture, and she has firsthand experience testing sofas, including the West Elm Harmony Sofa. While researching couches for this list, she considered each product size, style, material, and comfort, as well as additional features and any customization options.

For more insights on how to find the right couch for your space, she spoke with interior designer Jessie Neuman of Numi Interior Design, who explained her process for selecting couches for clients.